About children
Child psychologists adapt therapy to each age, often using play and drawing, and work closely with parents. Common reasons for consultation include anxiety, fears, behaviour, learning difficulties and family changes. For minors, consent from those with parental responsibility is required.
Psychologists assess and treat emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties through psychological therapy. They do not prescribe medication. In many countries clinical practice requires a specific qualification and registration with a licensing body, which Therapy247 checks.
Getting mental health care in Nepal
Public health system · Public health system (Ministry of Health and Population)
Since 2018, treatment of depression, psychosis, alcohol use disorder and epilepsy is part of the Basic Health Service Package and free at primary level, delivered by health workers trained with the WHO mhGAP programme in health posts and municipal primary care centres. Complex cases are referred to psychiatry units in provincial and medical college hospitals; the only dedicated mental hospital has about 50 beds. Medicines and trained staff are still scarce in rural areas. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Nepal Health Professional Council (NHPC). Clinical psychologists must be registered with the NHPC, which requires an MPhil in clinical psychology and a licensing exam. Counselling and other non-clinical psychology roles have no licensing body, so ask for the NHPC registration number.
- Nepal Medical Council (NMC). Psychiatrists, like all doctors, must be licensed by the Nepal Medical Council. Ask for the NMC registration number.
Urgent help in Nepal
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: who.int, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, gavi.org, kathmandupost.com
Signs to look out for
Children often show distress through behaviour and the body rather than words. It may be worth consulting a professional when a child has persistent fears or worries, frequent tantrums, sleep or eating changes, regression such as bedwetting again, headaches or stomach aches without a medical cause, withdrawal, school difficulties, or after a difficult event such as a separation, a loss or a move.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Therapy with children usually involves parents closely. Evidence-based approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy adapted to age, parent training programmes, play-based therapy, family therapy and trauma-focused CBT after difficult experiences. Child and adolescent psychologists, clinical psychologists and family therapists are the main professionals; speech therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists or child psychiatrists may be involved depending on needs.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services if a child is in danger, has been harmed, may have swallowed something toxic, or talks about wanting to die or hurt themselves, even at a young age. If you suspect abuse or neglect, seek help from child protection services or emergency services. Sudden changes in consciousness, speech or movement need immediate medical attention.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep predictable routines for sleep, meals and play, and limit screens, especially before bed. Spend some unhurried time each day with your child, following their lead in play. Name emotions together and stay calm when they are upset. Explain changes in simple, honest terms appropriate to their age. Look after your own well-being too, since children are sensitive to adult stress.
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist spends most of the working day talking with people about what worries them and helping them change it. That includes assessing the difficulty, agreeing goals, and using structured psychological techniques in sessions with adults, teenagers, children, couples or families. Between sessions they prepare materials, write notes, and sometimes coordinate with doctors, schools or other professionals, always with your consent.
When to see a psychologist
It makes sense to see a psychologist when anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship problems, a loss or a difficult change start to affect your sleep, work or relationships, or when you simply want to understand yourself better. If symptoms are very severe, you may need medication, or there are signs of a medical cause, a psychiatrist or your doctor should be involved too.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Nepal cover psychological care?
Since 2018, treatment of depression, psychosis, alcohol use disorder and epilepsy is part of the Basic Health Service Package and free at primary level, delivered by health workers trained with the WHO mhGAP programme in health posts and municipal primary care centres. Complex cases are referred to psychiatry units in provincial and medical college hospitals; the only dedicated mental hospital has about 50 beds. Medicines and trained staff are still scarce in rural areas.
How do I check that a psychologist is licensed in Nepal?
Nepal Health Professional Council (NHPC): Clinical psychologists must be registered with the NHPC, which requires an MPhil in clinical psychology and a licensing exam. Counselling and other non-clinical psychology roles have no licensing body, so ask for the NHPC registration number.